Looking Back: 2018

Christmas 2018

"While ... the night was in the midst of her course,
Thine almighty Word, O Lord, leapt down from heaven ...."
                           ~ Antiphon, First Vespers, Sunday within the Octave of Christmas

Fall 2018

Rorate Mass
December 15 , 2018

"Rorate, caeli, desuper, et nubes pluant justum,
aperiatur terra, et germinet Salvatorem."
                           ~ Introit, Rorate Mass

Held before dawn, the chapel illuminated only by candles, the Rorate Mass begins "in media nocte". The faithful hear the prophecy of the Virgin who will bear a Son called Emmanuel, the Light of the world. As the Mass progresses, the rising sun gently lights the interior of the chapel. This is the second year of the Rorate Mass at our parish.

Photo Albums: 2018 Rorate Mass

Honoring Our Lady
Three Celebrations
December 9, 12 & 16, 2018

Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration
December 16, 2018

Every year, families in the parish with a special devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe offer a Mexican reception in her honor, usually on her feast day, December 12. Because of the visit of the International Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima on that day (see below), the reception was delayed until the following Sunday. The faithful greatly enjoyed the tasty treats of tamalas, tortillas, chips and dips, fruits, bread and pastries and the chance to visit with fellow parishioners. Since it was also Gaudete Sunday and the last day of CCD in 2018, everyone was in a festive mood, from child to adult!

Our Lady of Fatima Celebration
December 12, 2018

On the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the International Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima visited our parish. The statue arrived shortly after the 6:30 a.m. Mass ended, and throughout the day, faithful came to pray before the Blessed Sacrament, confident in the intercession of Our Blessed Mother. The day included public and private prayer, consecration of the faithful to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, enrollment in the Brown Scapular (above lower right photo), and an evening rosary procession and Sung Mass.

The Immaculate Conception Celebration
December 9, 2018

Saturday, December 8, was the feast day of the Immaculate Conception, patron saint of the United States of America. In his sermon, Fr. Kodet pointed out this title is special to Our Lady, being the only name she has ever used to identify herself. The next day, at the High Mass, parish children in catechism classes honored the Immaculate Conception by leading the faithful in the hymn "Immaculate Mary" and displaying artwork and flowers for her at the cake reception held afterwards.

 

Mass for Deceased Members of the
FSSP & CSP
November 5, 2018


Incensing the catafalque, which stands in place of a casket 

Pilgrimage to
Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church
New Ulm, Texas
October 17, 2018

On Saturday, October 27, parishioners made a pilgrimage to Ss. Peter & Paul in New Ulm to petition our Lord for the parish and its capital campaign. We trust in God that the additional capital will be raised to allow construction of the desperately needed second building. He has carried us this far, despite the odds, and He will not  abandon us now. Deo gratias!

Photo Albums: 2018 Pilgrimage to New Ulm

 

His Excellency, Bishop Athanasius Schneider
October 17, 2018

Bishop Athanasius Schneider of Kazakhstan celebrated a Pontifical Low Mass at Regina Caeli on Wednesday, Oct. 17. A private baptism and reception followed. His Excellency is a staunch defender of the Faith and traditionalism. In a brief sermon at Mass, he discussed life in Kazakhstan under communist rule. The name of his country became synonymous with the word prison because of the many gulags established in the area. Stalin declared the Soviet Union a paradise without God, but without God, any attempt at paradise is Hell. The persecutions of the Church were fierce, the martyrs many, and yet, the faith would not die. A priest would quietly enter a town and word would spread secretly among the faithful. Furtively, they would come, and he would instruct them until late at night and hear confessions into the wee hours of the morning. Only when the last confession was heard would he celebrate Mass. He would then flee to the next town or outpost before authorities could catch up with him. The faithful might not see a priest again for months or years.


Double Doings and Double Fun!
Honoring Our Lady of the Rosary
2nd Annual Fall Festival
October 7, 2018

"Sing of Mary, pure and lowly ....'
                           ~ Hymn, "Sing of Mary"

"Rain, rain, rain," the weather forecasters predicted for October 7th, the very Sunday the parish intended to celebrate Our Lady of the Rosary and our second Fall Festival. Sunshine and joy our Lord decreed, perhaps with a little nudge from Our Blessed Mother. Deo gratias!

The dual festivities began with a rosary procession in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary, followed by the celebraton of the External Solemnity of her feast day at the 10 a.m. Mass. The grounds being soft from rains throughout the week, the procession weaved around the festival booths that had been set up on the parking lot for the festival to follow. While the faithful inside prayed the Mass, volunteers outside manned the grill for lunch and finalized booth set up for children eager to play.


Once Mass ended, the faithful poured out of the church and into the food line, along with those who had returned from the earlier Mass or planned to attend the evening Mass. Grilled burgers, hot dogs, chips, cookies, corn on the cob, popsicles, nachos - it was a carnival food delight! Children eager to explore the booths wolfed down their food and scampered off. With over 30 booths to choose from, boys and girls of all ages and all skill levels had a chance to play and win treats. Even Fr. Kodet joined in, playing laser tag with the children! 


Adults were not ignored, either. The Ketchum Family sponsored a booth selling plants, the Atar Society, homemade treats, Little Flower, crafts, and an outside vendor sold religious-themed merchandise. Towards the end of the festival, Fr. Van Vliet asked if any child might like to assist in awarding the raffle prizes. Sure enough, a line quickly formed of eager assistants. Round and round, the raffle drum spun, then a little hand reached inside for the winning ticket.

This was our second year to host a Fall Festival and it coincided, by plan, with the end of the more active phase of our Introibit Rex Gloriae Capital Campaign. The campaign raised over $1.8 million in this phase and, although impressive given the size of our parish, it is still less than the minimum goal of $2.5 million necesary to build the Gatehouse. The campaign will remain open until the additional funds are raised. There will be other events and activities to help us meet the goal, most especially, prayers to our Lord for His blessings. 

Special thanks to Sara Tamacas for spearheading and coordinating all aspects of the festival and to the many volunteers who made October 7th a special day for all. May God bless them and Regina Caeli Parish!

Photo Albums: 2018 Fall Festival. Also see 2018 Fall Festival Flyer

Summer 2018

Tower of David Study Group
Inaugural Year, beginning Sept. 11, 2018

On Tuesday, Sept. 11, the Tower of David Study Group opened its inaugural year at Regina Caeli. Organized by members of the parish, the group meets every Tuesday for classes in music, art and religion. The Fathers teach catechism classes and the other classes are taught by laity experienced in their respecitve fields. The program is for children ages 5 and older and will, in time, be expanded to include additional subjects and classes. The day begins with 8 a.m. Mass and ends with the noon Angelus. Field trips and other activities are part of the planned curriculum.

Photo Albums: 2018-19 Tower of David Study Group

 

On the Douay Bible
A Talk by Sid Ohlhausen
September 16, 2018

The Sunday adult seminar series opened this month with a talk by Sid Ohlhausen on the Douay Bible. An expert on the Douay, he has an extensive Bible collection that was on display. In his talk, he gave the history of the English Bible beginning with the persecution of Catholics under Queen Elizabeth I. English scholars that fled to Douay, France during the persecutions translated the Vulgate for smuggling to the faithful in England. Despite the continued Protestant opposition, various translations of the Bible followed, including the well-known Haydock version with its explanatory footnoes. Mr. Ohlhausen reviewed the history of the subsequent translations through today and commented on the enormous debt English-speaking Catholics owe to the recusants.

The Sunday adult seminar series is held every third Sunday of the month, except during the  Summer.

 

Saying Howdy to Fr. Kodet
August 26, 2018

Regina Caeli warmly welcomes Fr. John Kodet, our new parochial vicar. Father arrived on Friday, August 17, driving from his previous assignment at the Fraternity apostolate in Maple Hill, Kansas. He serrved there for three years as an assistant priest and the principal of the parish school. He will take on many of the responsibilities of Fr. Houck and new challenges, such as oversight and teaching of the catechism program for the newly established Tower of David homeschool group that begins meeting at the parish this September. Father was born in Minnesota on September 30, 1988 and ordained to the priesthood on May 30, 2015.

On August 26, the parish held welcoming receptions after the Sunday morning Masses to give families a chance to meet with Fr. Kodet.

To learn more about Rev. John Kodet, click here.

 

Saying Goodbye to Fr. Houck
August 12, 2018

It has been a rough week for the parish after we heard the news that Fr. Houck has been re-assigned. Although we look forward to meeting the new assistant pastor, it is with heavy hearts that we let Fr. Houck go. He arrived at Regina Caeli on July 1, 2016, having been ordained into the priesthood on May 28th of the same year. At that time, the parish operated out of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (SEAS), and so he experienced our humble beginnings and our grand vision for the future. Our first parochial vicar, Father lightened our pastor's heavy workload and quickly became a favorite of the children. Besides his sacramental responsibilities, he taught Confirmation catechism, trained altar servers, ran the Youth Group, and worked with various homeschool groups. HIs sermons were concise and insightful; his laughter easy; his wit quick and joyful. Fr. Houck's last Mass at Regina Caeli was the Feast of the Assumption. He will stay at SEAS until August 23, when he heads to the El Paso apostolate on a temporary assignment. Our prayers and love go with him.

To read more, click the following links:
Rev. Joshua Houck, FSSP
Obedience and the Apostolic Life, Fr. Van Vliet on the departure of Fr. Houck


Catholic Kids Camp
Honoring Our Lady
July 24-26, 2018

Music Class, St. Bernadette Group

Our first Catholic Kids Camp! Children and parents couldn't wait for the camp to begin and expectations ran high. Approximately 45 children, ages 5-13, attended the three-day event and the smiles throughout indicated the fun they were having. Held from 9 to noon each day, the camp began with a group meeting under the canopy and a discussion of the theme of the day. Then, passing through magical doors, the children were transported back in time to an apparition of Our Lady. Tuesday the children were transported to Mexico and the visit of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Wednesday, France and Our Lady of Lourdes, Thursday, Portugal and Our Lady of Fatima. The skits included an hilarious Fr. Houck ad libbing lines. After the laughter died down, he would explain concepts within the story in a concise way.

In addition to the skits, there were crafts, music classes with special guest Sam Sentmanat, faith formation with Frs. Van Vliet and Houck, tours of the sacristy, snacks and outdoor activites. The camp ended with Mass on the final day, which was the feast day of St. Anne, the mother of Our Lady. 

Special thanks to co-directors Mollie Charba and Violeta Saiz and the many volunteers that made the camp a roaring success! Children are already asking when the next one will be!

Photo Albums:
Part I: 2018 Catholic Kids Camp
Part II: 2018 Catholic Kids Camp
 

Wait a Minute! That's Not Fr. Houck!
Weekend of June 24-26, 2018

The weekend of June 22-24, the Houston and Irving apostolates exchanged priests. Fr. Houck joined Fr. Timothy O'Brien of Mater Dei Parish in Irving, Texas, to co-lead the Fraternity's first Young Adult Weekend. Fr. Brian McDonnell came to Houston to assist Fr. Van Vliet during his absence. The three-day spiritual conference brought together young adults from across Texas and Oklahoma for talks, prayer, and fellowship activities. It ended on Sunday with a pancake breakfast after Mass. 

To read more about Fr. McDonnell or see the conference flyer, click the following links:
Rev. Brian McDonnell, FSSP
2018 Young Adult Weekend

Spring 2018

Official Launch of the
King of Glory Capital Campaign
June 10, 2018

On June 10, Regina Caeli officially launched the King of Glory Capital Campaign with a Kick-Off Celebration after the  10 a.m. Mass. Held at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Whitney St., the event allowed parishioners to learn about the purpose of the campaign and the next phase of construction, view the architectural drawings of the Blessed Fr. Solanus Casey Gatehouse and visit fellow faithful while also enjoying a fajita dinner. A short video narrated by Fr. Van Vliet gave our history from inception to now and the plans for the immediate and long-term future of the parish. Since prayer is essential to God's continued blessing and our success, the parish will hold overnight prayer vigils before the Blessed Sacrament one weekend of each month for the next three months. Families are also asked to recite the Campaign Prayer to Blessed Fr. Solanus Casey at the end of their daily rosary.

To lean more about:the King of Glory Capital Campaign, click the links below:
Campaign Website with video narrated by Fr. Van Vliet
Capital Campaign Brochure
About Blessed Fr. Solanus Casey
 

Kick-Off Celebration, KC Hall

External Solemnity of
Corpus Christi
June 3, 2018

"Sacerdotes Domini incensum
et panes offerunt Deo ...."
                           ~ Offertory, Feast of Corpus Christi

The parish celebrated Corpus Christi on Thursday, May 31 and the First Communicants joined in the interior procession of the Blessed Sacrament. The following Sunday, June 3, the External Solemnity of the feast was celebrated, and at the 10 a.m. Mass, there was an exterior procession of the Blessed Sacrament with adoration and benediction at an outside altar as well as inside St. Athanasius Chapel Hall.

The 10 a.m. Mass was also a First Mass celebrated by Fr. Stephen Braun, FSSP, who was ordained in Lincoln, Nebraska on May 26 of this year. Fr. Braun is from the Houston area and is well-known and loved by parishioners, having assisted at liturgical functions at our parish for several years and also teaching a Latin class during his summer break from the seminary. Assisting Fr. Braun at Mass were Fr. Michael Malain, FSSP, another local who now serves at Mater MIscordiiae Church in Phoenix, Arizona, and Fr. David Angelino, parochial vicar at St. Jerome Church in Spring Branch. After the Mass, Fr. Braun offered First Blessings to the faithful.

This year was the first year on the property that an exterior altar was available for the procession. In addition, the First Communicant boys carried flags with the parish banner during the precession and the First Communicant girls dropped rose petals before the Blessed Sacrament. The patio canopy, which can be seen in the photo album of the External Solemnity, was gifted us by a generous benefactor.

To read more, click the following two links:
Rev. Stephen Braun, FSSP
First Blessings of a Priest

Photo Albums: 2018 External Solemnity of Corpus Christi
 

Mini-Mission with Fr. Buckley
May 30 - June 1, 2018

Fr. James Buckley, FSSP, came to Regina Caeli in the last week of May to preach a three day Mini-Mission on the Blessed Virgin Mary. On Wednesday evening, he spoke of the virginity of Our Lady before and after birth and its theological signifance to the Church. The second evening, which was the feast of Corpus Christi, he spoke of the nature of Christ as fully human, coming from Our Lady, and fully God, being the Word. Christ in his human nature stands between us and God as mediator, and He sends His priests to be mediators.

The last day of the mini-mission, we celebrated our parish feast day. The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary would normally fall on May 31, but was transferred to June 1 because of Corpus Christi. At the evening Mass, Fr. Buckley discussed the unique role of Mary as Mediatrix. She cooperated fully in the redemption of man, suffering with Christ in a singular way. Click here to read about Fr. Buckley.


Focus on First Communicants
First Communion, May 13, 2018
Altar Tour, April 22, 2018

Congratulations,
First Communicants!

First Communion on Mother's Day. Can there be a more Catholic way to celebrate mothers and all they do for their families? Five girls and ten boys received First Communion on this Sunday after the Ascension. CCD teachers Estella and Raymond LeBlanc, along with parents and older siblings had been preparing the children for this moment, and they were ready. Each child underwent a personal interview with Fr. Van Vliet, Fr. Houck or Rev. Mr. Braun (who will be ordained on May 26 of this year), and made their first confession prior to today. In fact, a few children asked for confession again before Mass so that their souls would be as pure as possible to receive Our Lord.

After Mass, the entire parish celebrated with a reception in honor of the First Communicants. Congratulations to Blaise, Brendan, Gabriel, Genna, Hank, Isabella, Jenna, Jude, Julianna, Karol, Michael, Rose, Sebastian, Wylie and Xavier!

On April 22, Fr. Van Vliet conducted the children on a private tour of the altar and sacristy. Always a favorite for the children, the tour gives them a better grasp of the meaning behind the thiings they see at the altar and during Mass.

Photo Albums: 2018 First Communion & Altar Tour


May Crowning
May 6, 2018

"Star of celestial light, Ave, Ave, Maria!'
                           ~ Hymn, "Queen of the Rosary"

The parish in the past provided flowers for faithful to present to Our Lady, but now that we are on our own property, Fr. Van Vliet felt it was time to follow the age-old tradition of the faithful bringing their own flowers, for that is what the May Crowning is about: presenting Our Blessed Mother with our own gifts in loving devotion. Still, since it was the first year of the change, perhaps a back-up supply of flowers would be advisable, and so an order was placed. The day before the Crowning, the not-so-good news came: the distributor had lost the floral order. Our parish florist had enough flowers for the First Communicants but not much extra. Worried? Not Our Lady! Sunday, over 250 faithful, armed with flowers upon flowers, laid them joyfully at her feet.

This was the first year our First Communicant boys carried flags with the parish shield. The flags and the pillow that held the crown were donated as a gift from a couple who attend Mater Dei, a Fraternity parish in Irving, Texas. The parish is very grateful for their thoughtfulness. The flags added beauty to the procession and the blessing ceremony that followed.

Photo Albums: 2018 May Crowning

 

Overnight Visit by Fr. Gerard Saguto, FSSP
N. American District Superior 
April 30, 2018


In a hard-hitting sermon, he discussed the proper role of
dating as a percursor to a God- blessed marriage.

 

Holy Week
March 25 - April 1, 2018

"Through His wounds, holy and glorious,
guard and preserve us, Christ the Lord. Amen." 
                           ~ Prayer when Inserting incense in the Paschal Candle

Spring greeted us with delightful weather and budding flowers during Holy Week as if pointing towards the coming glory of Easter morning. Rev. Mr. Stephen Braun, soon to become a Fraternity priest, assisted in the Holy Week liturgical functions, which allowed the parish to celebrate Solemn Masses on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Easter. The readings during Holy Week are often very long, particulary on Good Friday and at the Easter Vigil, so his presence and voice was greatly appreciated by our priests and the faithful!

During his sermon on Easter Sunday, Rev. Mr. Braun pointed out that the Angelus changes to Regina Caeli during Paschaltide This is appropriate because the Angelus draws us from the joy of the Incarnation to the suffering of Our Lord whereas Regina Caeli draws us from the Resurrection to everlasting life.

Photo Albums:
2018 Palm Sunday
2018 Holy Thursday
2018 Good Friday
2018 Easter Vigil

 

Honoring St. Joseph
March 19, 2018

 

Two days after Confirmation at the property (see below), the parish celebrated the feast day of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. St. Joseph is the second patron of our parish and, after the property was deeded to the Fraternity, the grounds were dedicated to him. (See 2012 photo gallery.) Some of the parishioners had grown up with the Italian tradition of a St. Joseph's Altar and wanted to begin the tradition at our parish. Last year was the first year to acquaint parishioners with this custom of honoring St. Joseph. This year, the altar was expanded and children took on the role of St. Joseph and Mother Mary looking for a place to stay when all the inns were full. After knocking on the third door, they were let into the room with a scrumptious feast fitting for the Holy Family.

At the top of the page under Photo Albums: 2018 St. Joseph's Altar



Confirmation
March 17, 2018

"For I have received of the Lord that which I also delivered unto you"
                           ~ Cardinal DiNardo quoting St. Paul during the sermon

Congratulations to our Confimandi: Angelica, August, Avigail, Bousi, Charles, Christ, Cyprus, Ian, John Paul, Karina, Kelly, Mariel, Matthew, Maylee, Morgan, Rachael, Rigel, Sebastian and Vienna! On St. Patrick's Day, Cardinal DiNardo conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation to nineteen of our young parishioners in the presence of over 250 faithful. Prior to the ceremony, he spoke privately with the candidates, and during the ceremony, he spoke to all the faithful, stressing the importance of the sacrament. His Eminence stated that the Faith is something to be received whole and remembered, that the Faith and the sacraments have been handed down to us from Christ, and that we should be on special guard to protect against the “spirit of amnesia” prevalent in our society. He highlighted the special role of sponsors, indicating that whenever a young person tells him that no one cares what they believe, he reminds them that their sponsors do and pray for them daily.

This is the third confirmation for our parish, but the first on our own premises. Assisting His Eminence in the ceremony were Fr. Jeff Bame, Secretary to the Cardinal, and our parish priests, Frs. Van Vliet and Houck. To the delight of all, the Cardinal stayed for a brunch reception and visited with the Confirmandi and many faithful. The parish is very grateful for his continuing support and encouragement.

Photo Albums:  2018 Confirmation

 

 

Winter 2018

Scenes of Lent
February 14-March 18, 2018

Large photo on right: Chapel ready for Passiontide
Bottom row: Mar. 4 visit of Fr. Akers, FSSP
Top row: Ash Wednesday; Way of the Cross

 

Blessing of Throats in honor of St. Blaise
February 3, 2018

February 3 was First Saturday and the feast of St. Blaise. Accordingly a votive Mass of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was celebrated, followed by First Saturday devotion before the Blessed Sacrament and then the blessing of throats in honor of St. Blaise.

 

Candlemas
February 2, 2018

"... illuminated by the light of Thy Spirit ...
we may truly acknowledge Thee ...."
                           ~ Fifth Prayer, Blessing of the Candles at Candlemas

February 2, the feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary when Our Lady presented our Lord to the temple, marks the close of the Christmas season. Since this is when St. Simeon saw our Lord and pronounced Him the Light of the Gentiles, the church blesses candles used in the liturgy and also those candles brought by parishioners for holy use in the homes. After the blessing, parishioners held lit candles during the procession before Mass, and again at the Gospel and communion. First Friday devotion followed the Mass.

Photo Albums: 2018 Candlemas


Epiphany
Blessing of the Water, Jan. 5
Feast of the Epiphany, Jan. 6

"And entering into the house, they found the Child with
Mary His Mother, and falling down, they adored Him."
                        ~ Gospel, Feast of the Epiphany of our Lord

Advent in 2017 was the shortest time possible. The fourth Sunday in December was the Vigil of the Nativity of the Lord and Christmas Day was the following Monday. Accordingly, the first week in January 2018 opened with the Octave of the Nativity on Monday and ended with Epiphany of our Lord on Saturday, Jan. 6. Since Friday and Saturday were also the first Friday and Saturday of the month, the Blessing of the Epiphany Water and Feast of the Epiphany followed the respective first Friday and Saturday devotions.

Photo Albums: 2018 Epiphany

To read about the Blessing of the Epiphany Water, click here.